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How long have I been here?
What day is it?
I glared at my phone, noticing the date and time. A new email pinged on my phone. As I stared down at the sender, my heart constricted.
Still a part owner of Lopa, Penny sent me weekly emails. None of them ever ended the way I wanted, though. With the words I’m sorry. Instead, the emails were filled with Profit and Loss reports, inventory reports, and other mundane things I no longer cared to read. I clicked the email open, and for once something other than the normal hogwash of nonsense was there. A note:
Theo,
I hope you are well. We’re in a predicament at Lopa. Both Henry and Seth have moved onto other jobs and I am down two bartenders. I have no time to hire anyone right now and wondered since you know how to bartend, if you’d be willing to help out until I can find someone new to replace them?
Thanks,
Always,
Penelope
The harsh glare of the email blinded me in the soft light of my condo.
Always, Penelope.
Yeah, right. Someone needed to clue Penny into what always meant. Her definition wasn’t the same as mine apparently, considering one day later she was engaged to Dex. After rereading it again, and again, I finally decided to call Lopa.
On the second ring, Fiona’s familiar voice answered, doing the usual spiel for all callers.
“Fiona, it’s me Theo. Can I speak to Penny?” I ran a hand across my beard as I stood from the couch.
“Hi, Theo. Sure, please hold.” Connected to the hold button, I listened to the soft elevator music play through my phone.
One of my worst ideas. I should hang up. Before I could do anything of the sort, Penny’s cute voice filled my ears.
“Theo, thank you for calling me.” A hint of desperation echoed through her voice.
“Hello, Penny,” I clipped, devoid of emotion.
“Right, I’ll get to the point. I need you. I’m down two bartenders.”
“Yes, I read your email, obviously. When should I come in?” I snapped, unable to remain professional. My anger kicked up and my neck heated.
“Tomorrow.” She hesitated before speaking again, “Oh, and, Theo, can we talk for a second? I wanted to apologize for the way my fath…”
I cut in, “Save it. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I ended the call with a brutal blow of my finger pounding the glass of my phone.
Tossing the phone onto the floor, I sank back down onto the couch to watch Barney deliver another perfect line as he tried to pick up yet another woman. He reminded me of myself. Why couldn’t I go back to this lifestyle? Why couldn’t I head out to a club and find someone to take away the pain?
It wasn’t the answer, and I damn well knew better. That’s why, I flicked the TV off and headed to take a shower.
While the hot water massaged my muscles, my mind filled with images of Penny and Dex walking into the Hard Rock. Dex’s arm around her waist. Penny standing there and not offering an explanation.
“Fuck.” I slammed my hand flat against the tile of the shower. Anger flared through my body, the scalding temperature of the water only igniting the flame. How would I get through one day working side by side with her? Why did I care if she needed help? I should have left her to deal with it on her own, like she left me.
After I dried my body, I wrapped the white towel around my waist and headed into my bedroom. Grabbing a pen and paper, I decided to do what I do best.
Ways to get through the work day
Remain professional
Don’t look at Penny
